IGF 2021 WS #194
Connectivity in Education: European experiences in COVID-19

Organizer 1: Anamaria Meshkurti, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Speaker 1: Malin Ljunggren, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 2: Milan Dobrievic, Government, Eastern European Group
Speaker 3: Anna Baramia, Government, Eastern European Group

Moderator

Anamaria Meshkurti, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization

Online Moderator

Jaroslaw Karol PONDER, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization

Rapporteur

Anamaria Meshkurti, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization

Format

Other - 60 Min
Format description: Workshop

Policy Question(s)

Leveraging infrastructure and technology innovation and development: How can the significant expansion of mobile infrastructure around the world, as well as other existing and emerging technologies such as satellite, fibre, and wireless networks, be used to expand affordable access?
Practical locally-driven policy solutions: What lessons can be drawn (and how) from successful policy solutions to universal access and meaningful connectivity around the world, while taking into account local specificities and needs? In particular, what are the relevant practices implemented by local actors (local government, civil society, local providers and entrepreneurs) to advance universal and meaningful access?

This session will focus on how infrastructure can be leveraged and digital solutions can be found to support education in post-COVID19 times.

SDGs

4. Quality Education
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
17. Partnerships for the Goals


Targets: SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all – the session will address the role of connectivity for the entire education ecosystem, from COVID-19 response to post-COVID-19 new normal.
SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation – the session will address how to ensure that ICT infrastructure (broadband and devices) reaches all students. It will look at the dimensions of school connectivity and usage of digital technologies in schools and at home.

SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development – the session will discuss that education is a fundamental part of a truly “meaningful connectivity” and that synergies between the ICT community and the Education community are of utmost importance.

Description:

Full title: Connectivity in Education: European experiences in the post COVID-19 era

Description:

Education is a key pillar of every society that was heavily affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. This session will explore European responses to the consequences of COVID-19 in education, addressing government actions focused on bridging the digital divide generated by lockdowns. The session will also discuss how digitalization strategies, investments in connectivity and equipment as well as reinforcement of digital skills, inclusive and needs-based digital education content, tools and platforms will ensure an integrated and effective use of ICTs for education when returning back to the classroom.

Expected Outcomes

This session aims to raise awareness, share best practices, and ignite a discussion on connectivity and the digital gap in education during COVID-19. The session attendees will be able to learn more about digital education and connectivity of schools in Europe as well as challenges and success stories during COVID-19. They will also learn about the main trends and challenges in ensuring “digital” is meaningfully integrated in education in a post-COVID-19 era.

This session will be an interactive panel discussion, fully virtual. The ITU has held several events online when participants have interacted through asking questions, the chat function as well as polls.

Online Participation



Usage of IGF Official Tool. Additional Tools proposed: We might be using polls with platforms such as pigeon hole etc.